Press Release

Powerful new audio engines combined with high-performance MEMS microphones enable feature-rich, software-controlled headsets that take personal audio to the next level

Geneva /
20 Feb 2013

STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and a leading supplier of high-performance audio ICs, together with Soundchip, a Swiss-based innovator in audio-systems technology and originator of the High-Definition-Personal-Audio™ (HD-PA®) Reference, today introduced two HD-PA audio engines, STANC0 and STANC1, and an HD-PA microphone, the MP34AB01H, which enable the creation of exciting, feature rich, software-controlled smart audio accessories.

STANC0 and STANC1 are HD-PA audio engines designed to regulate the sound performance of over-ear, on-ear and in-ear headsets. Designed for stereo and monaural applications respectively, STANC0 and STANC1 incorporate Soundchip’s patented Soundcore R3™ electronics, which implement a patented hybrid analog-digital architecture that is capable of processing sound at zero-latency with an unmatched 100 dB of dynamic range.
STANC0 and STANC1 incorporate the means to deploy powerful digitally configurable feedback and feed-forward active noise cancellation (ANC) processing for the removal of unwanted environmental noise, as well as digitally controlled binaural monitoring to provide natural, open ear listening with comfortable, occlusion-free speech.

Unlike competitor’s products, which configure active noise cancelling filters through the selection and placement of hundreds of passive components around a “noise cancelling” op-amp, STANC0 and STANC1 integrate these filters on-chip. Filter and device settings may be programmed digitally to optimize their performance with connected acoustics or configured in real-time by a complementary DSP, such as the STM32 F4, to enable exciting new features such as auto-active noise cancellation and augmented reality.

STANC0 and STANC1 are highly integrated devices supplied in a compact 4.5mm x 4.5mm LF-BGA package. Both devices can operate from a single AAA battery or host-supplied power source ensuring their suitability for the wired and wireless aftermarket, as well as in-box audio accessories.
Mark Donaldson, Soundchip CEO, said, “The latest HD-PA devices from STMicroelectronics present exciting new opportunities for customers to extend boundaries of innovation in personal audio and to realize a new generation of superior-sounding active noise-cancellation headsets and smart audio accessories.”

“As a global leader in the design and high-volume manufacturing of integrated circuits and MEMS, ST’s collaboration with Soundchip and the introduction of these new HD-PA components provide a tangible demonstration of our commitment to audio and smart audio in particular,” said Andrea Onetti, Audio and Sound Business Unit Leader at STMicroelectronics.

The MP34AB01 is a compact 3.76mm x 2.95mm analog, bottom-port, HD-PA-compliant MEMS silicon microphone designed specifically for combination with STMicroelectronics’ HD-PA audio engines. Featuring a flat audio response between 20Hz and 20kHz, market-leading 66dB SNR, zero-latency output, and surface-mount assembly, the MP34AB01H is the perfect companion to STANC0 and STANC1, providing an accurate and reliable measure of in-ear and ambient sound conditions necessary for the effective operation of feedback and feed-forward active noise cancelling.
HD-PA components are supported by a comprehensive suite of Soundstation™ computer-aided-design and manufacturing tools, which simplify product development and significantly improve manufacturing reliability. Component samples and evaluation boards are available to customers under a dedicated non-disclosure agreement.

About Soundchip SA
From its base in Switzerland Soundchip offers global customers access to a broad range of solutions in audio systems technology for sound at the ear. The company is the originator of the HD-PA Reference and is committed to providing customers with solutions that demonstrate the superior qualities of high definition sound in products designed for mobility and convenience. Soundchip licenses its solutions to leading brands involved in the design and manufacture of audio codecs, processors, sound transducers, multimedia systems and consumer products. Soundchip and HD-PA are registered trademarks of Soundchip SA. All rights reserved.
Further information on Soundchip can be found at www.soundchip.ch.

About STMicroelectronics
ST is a global leader in the semiconductor market serving customers across the spectrum of sense and power and automotive products and embedded processing solutions. From energy management and savings to trust and data security, from healthcare and wellness to smart consumer devices, in the home, car and office, at work and at play, ST is found everywhere microelectronics make a positive and innovative contribution to people's life. By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented.
In 2012, the Company’s net revenues were $8.49 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com

About HD-PA:
Consumers are adopting mobile entertainment, communications and gaming devices in ever increasing numbers with each new generation of device offering substantially improved power and performance. An aspect of end product that has remained relatively unchallenged during this period of growth is audio and in particular personal audio or audio delivered at the ear. As consumers search for a better sound experience on-the-go, an opportunity has emerged to demonstrate leadership in audio systems engineering and electroacoustics through intelligent innovation.

The High Definition Personal Audio™ reference has been developed to encourage a step change in the performance and capabilities of personal audio devices. This change is achieved by applying innovative audio system technologies in concert with state-of-the-art processing and sensory silicon, including MEMS. Devices that comply with the HD-PA® reference meet an ambitious standard of performance and offer their users enhanced sound quality, comfort and convenience in a manner that is resilient to environmental factors, including noise.